Dangote Industries Limited has signed a landmark $800 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd. to expand the Itori Cement Plant in Ogun State, a project that will double the facility’s annual production capacity from six million metric tonnes to 12 million metric tonnes.
The expansion is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading cement-producing nations, increase exports, create jobs and support the country’s industrialisation drive.
The agreement was signed by the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Chairman of Sinoma International Engineering, Lin Zhong, marking another milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two companies.
Decades of Partnership
The latest agreement builds on a business relationship that dates back to 2007, when Dangote Group and Sinoma first partnered on major cement manufacturing projects.
Over the years, Sinoma has been responsible for engineering and constructing several Dangote Cement plants across Nigeria and other African countries, helping the company become the continent’s largest cement producer.
The new investment further strengthens that partnership as Dangote Cement continues expanding its production capacity across Africa.
Production to Double
Once completed, the expansion will increase the Itori Cement Plant’s production capacity from six million metric tonnes to 12 million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).
The additional capacity is expected to meet rising local demand for cement while significantly increasing export volumes to African markets.
The project will also support Nigeria’s efforts to earn more foreign exchange through non-oil exports and improve the country’s competitiveness in regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Tinubu’s Policy Influenced Investment
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Aliko Dangote said the expansion represents another major investment in Nigeria’s industrial future.
According to him, the decision to proceed with the project was influenced by the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on using concrete technology for road construction, a policy expected to increase demand for cement nationwide.
Dangote also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for creating what he described as an enabling business environment that encourages large-scale private sector investments.
He said the expansion aligns with Dangote Cement’s Vision 2030, under which the company aims to increase its total annual cement production capacity to between 90 million and 100 million metric tonnes.
Dangote added that the expanded plant will strengthen the company’s export business, generate additional foreign exchange earnings, create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth across Africa.
Sinoma Pledges World-Class Delivery
Sinoma Chairman, Lin Zhong, described the agreement as another important milestone in the partnership between both companies.
He said Sinoma would deploy advanced engineering technology and global expertise to ensure the successful execution of the expansion project.
According to him, previous collaborations between Sinoma and Dangote have produced some of Africa’s most modern cement manufacturing facilities, and the Itori expansion will further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a strategic manufacturing and export hub.
Lin added that the project demonstrates growing international confidence in Nigeria’s industrial sector while highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in driving infrastructure development and sustainable industrialisation across Africa.
Economic Benefits
Industry observers believe the project will deliver significant economic benefits through increased production, employment generation and improved supply chains.
Construction activities are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while the completed facility will support Nigeria’s growing housing, infrastructure and commercial development sectors.
The expansion is also expected to stimulate economic activities in Ogun State and improve Nigeria’s capacity to export cement to neighbouring African countries.
Strengthening Africa’s Largest Cement Producer
The Itori expansion forms part of Dangote Cement’s broader strategy to maintain its leadership in Africa’s cement industry through continuous investments in production capacity, operational efficiency and export-led growth.
Upon completion, the upgraded plant will serve as a major production and export hub, supplying cement to both domestic and international markets while supporting Nigeria’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading industrial and manufacturing economies.